What to Know About Theft Crimes in Pennsylvania

Theft, in general, is the unlawful taking of someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. In Pennsylvania, theft crimes encompass a broad range of actions and are categorized based on how much property was involved and whether any force or threat of force was used in taking it. 

The severity of a theft charge, and its corresponding penalty, largely hinges on the value of the stolen property. For example, if the value is less than $50, the crime may be charged as a summary offense, the least serious category, with a possible jail term of up to 90 days. If the value is between $50 and $200, the theft can be charged as a misdemeanor of the second degree, with a potential sentence of up to two years in prison. Theft of property valued between $200 and $2,000 may result in a first-degree misdemeanor charge, with up to five years of imprisonment. 

Theft can be charged as a third-degree felony, punishable by up to seven years in prison, when the property value exceeds $2,000 or if the property stolen is an automobile, airplane, motorcycle, motorboat or other motor-propelled vehicle. The crime is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, if the property value is $100,000 or more or if theft of a firearm is involved. It is a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison, if the property value is $500,000 or more.

Here is a summary of the basic types of theft crimes in Pennsylvania:

• Retail Theft — Commonly known as shoplifting, retail theft involves taking merchandise from a store without paying for it. Depending on the value of the items and the defendant’s prior record, the charge can range from a summary offense j to a third-degree felony. 
• Theft of Services — This consists of obtaining services, such as utilities, cable, or restaurant meals, without paying for them. The severity of the charge depends on the value of the services stolen. 
• Theft by Deception — This involves intentionally deceiving someone to gain possession of their property. For example, making false representations or omitting important facts to obtain money or goods can lead to a theft by deception charge. 
• Theft by Unlawful Taking — This is the most straightforward form of theft, where a person unlawfully takes or exercises control over someone else’s property with the intent to deprive the owner of it. Depending on the property’s value, this crime can be charged as a summary offense, misdemeanor, or felony.
• Robbery — Unlike the other theft crimes mentioned, robbery involves taking property directly from another person using force or the threat of force. Robbery is always charged as a felony in Pennsylvania, with penalties ranging from 10 to 20 years in prison, depending on the severity of the force used and whether a weapon was involved.

Being charged with a theft crime in Pennsylvania does not automatically mean a conviction. A skilled Pennsylvania defense attorney can assert various defenses to the charges. Some possible defenses include insufficient evidence, lack of intent to deprive, mistaken identity and alibis.

If you’ve been charged with a theft crime in Pennsylvania, the Law Offices of David Jay Glassman in Philadelphia has the legal skills and experience required to defend you in a courtroom or negotiate a beneficial plea bargain. Call us at 215-563-7100 or contact us online for a consultation.